Acts - Until Everyone Knowsਨਮੂਨਾ

Acts 21
This chapter begins with the itinerary of Paul and friends, determinately making their way from Ephesus back to Jerusalem. Their ship journey passes Cos, Rhodes, Cyprus, Patara, Tyre, Ptolémaïs, Caesarea… sounds like an advert for an Eastern Mediterranean cruise! The warmth and the welcome among the growing Christian community of believers in these places is very evident.
But in several places like Tyre, the disciples warn Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. A prophet called Agabus takes Paul’s girdle and visually demonstrates that Paul will be bound hand and foot in Jerusalem (v. 10), and the people of Caesarea urge him not to go up to Jerusalem (v. 12). Why did Paul ignore these warnings from sincere loving friends, who believed these warnings were Spirit inspired? Were these people mistaken? Was Paul being stubborn? You may ask which of these suppositions is correct?
Paul has already been warned by the Spirit in the previous chapter that imprisonment and persecution await him in Jerusalem. But although Paul accepts and recognises the possible outcome of going to Jerusalem, the main mission for him is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, whatever the consequences.
How can you be sure that you are hearing what the Holy Spirit wants for you? Firstly, make a habit of asking the Holy Spirit to show and direct you every time you come to read God’s Word. Secondly, read the Scripture, then pray and listen. The more intentional time you spend with God, the more familiar you will be with His Voice. Thirdly, obey the Word. Obedience makes you more receptive to God’s Direction.
Holy Spirit, teach me to hear, recognize, and obey Your Voice, even if others do not understand. Amen.
Anne Enoch
ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਸ਼ਾਸਤਰ
About this Plan

In Acts, we read about the Early Church taking its first steps to go out to the nations. This happened because ordinary people were filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to share the Good News of Jesus and bring healing and freedom. God has designed you to walk in the same Power today! As you learn from this Book, one chapter a day, and read the Devotional, consider this question: How can I step out more to share the Good News of Jesus in the Power of the Holy Spirit?
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